TOURISM AWARDS SHINE BRIGHT

Mackay Isaac Tourism Awards Celebrate A Renewed Positivity In The Industry

The 2022 Mackay Isaac Tourism Awards were held last Friday night and a total of 186 people were in attendance, representing the region’s tourism businesses and industry stakeholders including, Mackay Regional Council Mayor Greg Williamson, Isaac Regional Council Mayor Anne Baker and Member for Dawson Mr Andrew Willcox MP.

The Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre (MECC) came alive with excited tourism operators and volunteer groups all vying to receive a prestigious award.

Out of the 53 awards finalists, 27 were selected to take home awards on the night which spread across a multitude of categories.

Glamourous Awards Night Showcases Best Of Local Tourism

Glasses were clinking, speeches brought cheers and the atmosphere was vibrant as tourism businesses from across the region celebrated a renewed positivity that an industry massively impacted by the pandemic was bouncing back to a new normal.

Last Friday’s Mackay Isaac Tourism Awards was an opportunity for everyone to unite, connect and pay homage to all the dedication and hard work from businesses, groups and individuals working in tourism.

Mackay Regional Council Mayor Greg Williamson said the awards help to acknowledge those who have been constantly raising the bar in our tourism industry.

“Each of the businesses nominated are a shining example of the exceptional tourism experiences offered in our region,” Mayor Williamson said.

“It is these businesses that drive investment into our communities, supporting sustainability and job creation and building upon the liveability of the region.”

Isaac Regional Council Mayor Anne Baker said the tourism awards creates a point of difference and helps to boost the profile of our tourism operators.

“These tourism awards not only shine a light on the region’s outstanding tourism offerings driving visitation, they also promote the destination with tourism leaders across the nation,” she said.

Congratulating each of the winners was Mackay Isaac Tourism Interim Chief Executive Officer Tash Wheeler.

“It is the dedication of businesses and individuals we have recognised tonight,” she said.

“Those that have enabled tourism to firmly establish itself as a key economic pillar to the Mackay Isaac Region’s economy, contributing millions of dollars in investment and creating thousands of jobs.”

MACKAY ISAAC TOURISM AWARD WINNERS 2022

Best Tourist Attraction

Winner: Clermont Historical Centre

Best Business and Event Venue

Winner: Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre

Award For Best Retail and Hire Service

Winner: Caneland Central Shopping Centre

Award For Best Restaurant or Catering Service

Winner: The Seabreeze Hotel

Award For Excellence in Food Tourism

Winner: Sarina Sugar Shed

Award For Best Caravan, Holiday Park or Hosted Accommodation

Winner: Cape Hillsborough Nature Tourist Park

Award For Best 3-3.5 Star Accommodation

Winner: Comfort Resort Blue Pacific

Award For Best 4-4.5 Star Deluxe Accommodation

Winner: Alara Motor Inn

Award For Excellence in Customer Service

Winner: Flackyard

Award For Most Outstanding New Business

Winner: Wildcat Mackay

Award For Most Outstanding Regional Event

Winner: St Lawrence Wetlands Weekend

Award For Most Outstanding Volunteer Individual

Winner: Michael Pugh

Award For Most Outstanding Volunteer Group

Winner: Sarina Sugar Shed

Award For Most Outstanding Contribution by an Individual

Ben and Renae Atherton

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